Starting a Gratitude Practice….

November is a time for giving thanks…for all that delicious ham (or if you’re not me – turkey) you get to eat, and the lovely friends and family you get to enjoy it with. But giving thanks and sharing gratitude does more than just shower others with appreciation. Research has shown that having a regular gratitude practice can improve both our physical and emotional/mental health, help improve sleep and may also improve self-esteem.

I’ll be honest – I fall in and out of gratitude practices as quickly as we have changes of weather here in the PNW. Sometimes I forget, others I don’t make it as much of a priority as I would like to. However, every time I’m consistently grateful, everything changes. Starting today, I’m going to renew my energy and focus around gratitude, and I’m going to make note of the positive influences it has on my life. I’d love for you to join me.

Gratitude Practice Ideas:
1) Journal: Take a few minutes to write down 1-3 things you’re grateful for each day. Studies have shown that doing this before bed may improve sleep – but the reality is that you can do this whenever it works best for you. Here’s the key: Be specific. Don’t just write down “I’m thankful for my mom” (I am, Mom!) write down “I’m thankful for my mom because she taught my kids how to burp, bakes a mean burnt pecan pie for Thanksgiving, shows up whenever we need help and is a great example to the kids of why you don’t cheat at board games (you WILL get caught).” My BFF (and world’s best Financial Advisor) Kristi bought this handy journal for me – it’s a keeper (so is she!)

2) Write a letter: This may be one of the most powerful gratitude practices there is. You can do this one time, once a month, once a week or once a day. Actually, once a day might be a bit overzealous…be grateful if you do it once at all. Here’s how you do it: Think of a person in your life that you are truly grateful for, and write them a handwritten letter detailing why. You can mail it to them, show up at their door and hand it to them, or call them and read it to them. It will brighten their day as much as it does yours. Check this out.

3) Thank you cards: This is a practice I try to incorporate into my work – At least once a week, I send out 3 thank you cards to people that have made time for me in their day, hired/worked with me, referred me, or simply been an ally to me in my business. Sending (and receiving) thank you cards is a lost art – I challenge all of us to bring thank you card writing back. I custom design my own thank you cards at Moo – it makes me happy.

4) For the gratitude-competent, here’s a challenge: Each day write down something you’re grateful for about someone or something that’s a challenge for you. My lovely friend and fellow Equus Coach Hannah wrote about doing this recently, and I gave it a go. Turns out that, if you open your mind and heart, you may be able to turn even the darkest experiences around with gratitude.

I challenge you to a Gratitude Practice (much like a duel, but…not a duel): Pick one of the above strategies and stick to it for at least 30 days: See what happens.

I’ll start: Today, I’m grateful for YOU. The tribe that has been a part of my business for the last 3 years, that has read my blog/newsletters, hired me for coaching, referred me to friends, brought your teams together for Equine Coaching events, bought my book, shared my story, and just been a loyal and committed friend and fan. I couldn’t do this work without each and every one of you.

Now…I’ve included some of the videos that bring me joy and make me feel grateful for being in this big crazy world. I thought you might appreciate them and want to share them with someone, too.

One last thing.

It’s not too late in the year to accomplish something awesome. In fact, it’s never too late – or too early. If you’re thinking about goals you’d like to achieve, promotions you’d like to go for, decisions you want to work through, or how to bring your team closer together – now or in the new year – I can help. Set up a consult and let’s help you move forward, together.

Now…I’ve included some of the videos that bring me joy and make me feel grateful for being in this big crazy world. I thought you might appreciate them and want to share them with someone, too.

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